A North Lawndale nonprofit has secured a $10 million capital investment to help bring a transformational sports and community complex to Chicago's West Side.
Lawndale Christian Development Corporation announced Feb. 25 it was named an awardee of the Lohengrin Foundation's Thriving Youth, Stronger Communities initiative. The announcement was made at a finalist reception at Impact House in downtown Chicago. LCDC was one of two organizations chosen from 73 citywide submissions.
The award will help advance One Lawndale Recreational Center, a proposed $38 million indoor sports and community complex at Cermak and Springfield avenues.
The facility would include two indoor turf fields, six full-size basketball courts, a boxing and fitness room, a wrestling studio, multipurpose rooms, concessions and dedicated program space, and it's all designed to provide year-round access to safe, high-quality recreation for West Side residents. Beyond athletics, organizers say One Lawndale is designed as a violence prevention strategy and youth empowerment hub.
Programming would include mentoring, nutrition education, mental health support, sports leagues and leadership development initiatives led by Black and Latino-led community partners from both North Lawndale and Little Village.
The Lohengrin Foundation launched the initiative in 2024 to serve as an early-stage capital partner for new youth and community centers across Chicago, grounded in youth-focused research and direct engagement with community leaders.
Officials say the $10 million investment positions One Lawndale to attract additional philanthropic, corporate and public funding needed to close the project's remaining $28 million capital gap.
Construction is anticipated to begin in late summer or early fall, with completion projected for 2027.Founded in 1987, LCDC is a mission-driven organization focused on revitalizing North Lawndale through affordable housing, economic development and community empowerment programs.
